DEPDev Regional Office I - Ilocos

12/06/2026

📣 Today, as we celebrate the 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲, the 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚, 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 1 (𝑫𝑬𝑷𝑫𝒆𝒗 𝑹𝑶1) revisits the region’s remarkable stories, people, and historic events that played a part in shaping the nation’s freedom, patriotism, and our lasting legacy of courage.

11/06/2026

𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗩-𝟭 𝗣𝗨𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 “𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝟭-𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧” 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛, 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗤𝟮 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚

San Fernando City, La Union – The Economic Development Committee 1 (EconDev-1) reinforced its commitment to strengthening local industries, enterprises, and in advancing regional economy during its 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting on June 9, 2026, at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1. The meeting was presided over by Dir. Fidel L. Libao, EconDev-1 Chairperson and Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Region 1 with Dr. Armando Ganal as Co- Chairperson and PSR for Economic Sector and Ms. Racquel T. Atawe, EconDev-1 Secretary. The discussions centered on advancing local enterprise development and strengthening key economic sector initiatives in the region.

Among the major outcomes of the meeting was the Committee’s endorsement of the proposed “Una ang Uno” Policy, a strategic regional initiative that champions a “Region 1- First” approach by encouraging government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to prioritize Region 1 products, services, enterprises, and human capital.

Anchored on national policies, the initiative seeks to strengthen the regional economy by expanding opportunities for MSMEs, cooperatives, farmers, and fisherfolk while increasing patronage of local products and services. It also supports the growth of the region’s champion commodities, including rice, salt, milkfish, mangoes, onions, garlic, coffee, cement, Inabel, and renewable energy-related products aligned with the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023–2028 by advancing job creation, agricultural modernization, industry development, and regional competitiveness.

Complementing the “Una ang Uno” initiative, the Committee also endorsed the proposal to strengthen, institutionalize, and promote the Region 1 Inabel Industry as a flagship cultural and economic product. Ms. Vida Karna Bacani of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 presented key concepts of the proposal which aims to preserve the region’s rich weaving heritage while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities.

By institutionalizing the use of Inabel in uniforms, and other official attires, this initiative aims to expand market opportunities for local weavers, enhance the industry’s competitiveness
Reinforcing the committee’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening local industries and food systems, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Investment Portfolio (RAFIP) – Ilocos Region, 2025 Edition was also endorsed for RDC-1's adoption. Presented by Ms. Doris Joy C. Garcia of DA-RFO 1, the portfolio serves as a strategic roadmap for agriculture and fisheries investments, improving value chains, and enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the region’s priority commodities, including rice.

Aside from these endorsements, the Committee also deliberated on key development projects, including the DAR’s Inclusive Partnership for Agrarian Reform Communities (IPARC) Project, the DTI’s and Mariano Marcos Memorial State University’s Advancing Skills, Competitiveness, and Enterprise Development (ASCEND) Project for industry competitiveness and innovation, and DOST’s flagship programs aimed at advancing agricultural technology, innovation, and regional industry development. Also, the economic sector components of the Regional Development Report 2025 and Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation 2026 Plan and Q1 2026 reports were approved.

Through these initiatives, EconDev-1 continues to advance policies and projects that promote economic resilience, innovation, and sustainable development, while ensuring that the benefits of growth are felt by communities across the region. 𝒋𝒒𝒂

11/06/2026

𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦: 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝟭 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘-𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

In line with the efforts to strengthen evidence-based development planning and investment programming, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office 1 (RO 1) convened 87 key regional stakeholders during the Region 1 Public Investment Programming Forum held on June 8, 2026.

Anchored on the theme “From results to Resources: Strengthening the Planning-Investment-M&E Linkage through Evidence-Based Programming”, the forum was conducted simultaneously onsite at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, San Fernando City, La Union, and online via Zoom application. The forum aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the role and linkage of investment programming within the development planning cycle, particularly its alignment with the Regional Development Plan (RDP), Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), and Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (RRP). By strengthening these linkages, the forum emphasized the importance of translating key development plans into implementable, fundable, and results-oriented investments.

In her message, Regional Director Stephanie F. Christiansen underscored that the forum serves as a strategic venue to revalidate, update, and identify priority programs and projects that respond to the region’s current needs, emerging challenges, and opportunities, all geared toward inclusive and sustainable development.

The forum focused on equipping the participants with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare and accomplish the FY 2028 Annual Investment Program (AIP) Form. Through guided discussions and workshops, participating agencies revalidated and updated the priority programs and projects under the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 2026-2028 and ensured alignment with priority initiatives identified in the RPFP and RRP. The process also enabled the identification and incorporation of additional priority programs and projects not previously covered, ensuring that investment programming remains responsive to current development priorities and emerging regional needs. Agencies were also reminded to prioritize interventions that address lagging core indicators reflected in the Ilocos Region’s CY 2025 Interim Regional Development Report Results Matrices (RDR-RM) 2023-2028.

Overall, the forum strengthened collaboration among regional stakeholders and reinforced the critical role of evidence-based investment programming in ensuring that public resources are directed toward high-impact, resilient, and inclusive development outcomes for the Ilocos Region. 𝒈𝒃𝒎

11/06/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗗-𝟭 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦, 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗤𝟮 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚

San Fernando City, La Union – The Development Administration Committee 1 (DevAd-1) approved key measures to strengthen governance, institutional coordination, and policy reforms during its 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting on June 4, 2026. OIC-ARD Ednore Freynon N. Perez of Department of Economy Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region1 presided over the meeting, with Ms. Racquel T. Atawe as the DevAd-1 Secretary and Chief Economic Development Specialist-Policy Formulation and Planning Division of DEPDev RO 1. Dir. Plormelinda P. Olet, Regional Director of NICA Region 1, hosted the Committee.

During the meeting, Ms. Fernalyn C. Sarmiento of DOF-BLGF Region 1, briefed the Committee on the implementation of Republic Act No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA). The law seeks to modernize the country's property valuation system through uniform valuation standards, enhanced transparency, and improved local revenue administration. She discussed the transition of local government units to the new framework, the updating of Schedules of Market Values, and support measures, such as tax cap and tax amnesty provisions, to facilitate a smooth transition. The presentation also emphasized that while RPVARA updated the land value assessments, the local governments retain the authority to levy taxes, including the setting of assessment levels.

Other major actions taken by the committee was the endorsement of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) as a Special Non-Voting Member of RDC-1 to strengthen coordination between regional stakeholders and the Office of the President, enhance monitoring of priority programs and projects, and improve policy feedback and inter-agency collaboration. Likewise, DevAd-1 supported the proposed Foreign Interference and Malign Influence Bill (House Bill No. 01068) and recommended its adoption by RDC-1, recognizing the growing threats and other covert activities that could undermine governance, public trust, and regional development.

The Committee also endorsed the Development Administration Sector Component of the 2025 Regional Development Report; and deliberated on the CY 2026 Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) Project Monitoring Plan and 2026 First Quarter RPMES Report. These actions reinforce the committee’s commitment to evidence-based planning, effective monitoring and evaluation, and sound public administration in the region.

Members were also updated on the activities undertaken for the Local Government Code Review and Amendment Program (LGC RevAmP) under the DILG's Strengthening Local Governance (STRONGER) Program, as presented by Mr. Dennis Peralta of DILG Region 1. The initiative seeks to modernize the Local Government Code of 1991 and strengthen local governance and autonomy through evidence-based reforms. The Committee was likewise briefed on the Bangon Bayan, which is a national citizen mobilization program that promotes volunteerism, resilience, and collective action in response to the effects of the global energy crisis, as well as DEPDev Region 1’s assessment of the potential impacts of the West Asian conflict on regional inflation and remittance flows.

These discussions underscored DevAd-1’s continuing commitment to advancing responsive and stronger governance through evidence-based policy reforms and strengthened inter-agency collaboration by highlighting the Committee’s role in supporting local government modernization and promoting strategic initiatives that address emerging economic and governance challenges. 𝒋𝒒𝒂

11/06/2026

📣 In celebration of the 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲, the 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚, 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 1 (𝑫𝑬𝑷𝑫𝒆𝒗 𝑹𝑶1) revisits the region’s remarkable stories, people, and historic events that played a part in shaping the nation’s freedom, patriotism, and our lasting legacy of courage. Here are additional historical bits and pieces. Stay tuned for more!

11/06/2026

In compliance with Section 50 of the IRR of Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act, the DEPDev Regional Office 1 through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) publishes its procurement project announcements through this social media platform and agency website: https://dro1.depdev.gov.ph/bid-announcements/

10/06/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝

The inflation rate of the Ilocos Region for all income household in May 2026 slowed down to 5.8 percent. This was lower than the recorded rate in April 2026 of 7.3 percent.

The inflation rate in May 2025 was recorded at 2.3 percent.

Read the full report here: https://rsso01.psa.gov.ph/content/may-2026-summary-inflation-report-all-income-household-ilocos-region

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: DEPDev Secretary Balisacan highlighted ongoing government efforts to strengthen the labor market, help workers and businesses navigate current challenges, and expand employment opportunities, following PSA's release of the April 2026 Labor Force Survey report.

The nation’s chief economist noted that the government remains committed to protecting Filipino livelihoods amid ongoing challenges, including the Middle East crisis, the El Niño phenomenon, and the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao. Through the UPLIFT framework, stronger industry partnerships, expanded market access, and continued investments in high-growth sectors, government efforts are being intensified to support quality job creation and promote more stable, productive, and inclusive employment for Filipinos.

Read more about these initiatives here: https://depdev.gov.ph/april2026lfs/